Le Clarence de Haut-Brion 2025

Le Clarence de Haut-Brion is the second wine of Château Haut-Brion in AOC Pessac-Léognan, named for the banker Clarence Dillon, who bought the historic estate in 1935 and set its modern course. The blend is Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc in the Left Bank tradition. Haut-Brion's deep gravel mounds are the foundation of the style: the stones drain freely and hold the day's warmth, releasing it overnight to ripen the Cabernet fully and to draw out the smoky, mineral character that has defined the estate for centuries. The Atlantic-moderated climate gives a long, even ripening season that builds structure without heaviness. The wine is aged in oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange firms and integrates the tannins and adds cedar, spice and a fine toast. It pours a deep ruby. The nose opens floral, then turns with air to blackberry and blackcurrant over black pepper and a warm, earthy smokiness. The palate is structured and refined, the tannins firm but supple, the dark fruit and savoury depth running to a long finish. Serve at 17 to 18 degrees, decanted, with roast beef or lamb.